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On World Down Syndrome Day, experts are shedding light on innovative approaches to support children with Down syndrome, emphasizing the importance of holistic care and early intervention. Marked annually on March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day aims to raise awareness and foster inclusivity for individuals living with this genetic condition.
Down syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21, affects approximately one in every thousand children worldwide. In India alone, an estimated 30,000-35,000 children grapple with the challenges posed by this condition.
Mohini, a renowned paediatric physiotherapist specializing in neurology at the Artemis Special Children Centre in Gurugram, underscores the significance of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) in addressing the unique needs of children with Down syndrome. NDT, she explains, offers a comprehensive approach focusing on motor skills, coordination, and overall physical development tailored to each child’s specific requirements.
“It involves individualized treatment plans, incorporating technology such as virtual or interactive apps, multidisciplinary collaboration, early intervention, and a family-centered approach,” Mohini explains. Such an approach, she notes, leads to improved outcomes, increased independence, and enhanced quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.
Recent studies have underscored the benefits of light, regular exercise in enhancing cognitive and physical health among those with Down syndrome. Mohini highlights the role of NDT as a holistic approach that emphasizes therapeutic handling based on movement analysis to achieve developmental milestones in patients with Down syndrome.
Drawing from her experience, Mohini shares a heartening case from Kashmir involving a child with Down syndrome. With just three sessions of 45 minutes each, significant improvements were observed in the child’s head and trunk control, leading to enhanced sitting ability and the initiation of crawling.
“Advanced NDT techniques may also incorporate strategies to enhance cognitive and social-emotional development,” Mohini adds, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this therapeutic approach.
As this year’s theme for World Down Syndrome Day, ‘End The Stereotypes,’ calls for the integration and non-discrimination of individuals with Down syndrome, experts like Mohini continue to advocate for innovative and compassionate care approaches, offering hope and opportunities for a brighter future for children with Down syndrome worldwide.
